Britain Won't Join in a Syrian Attack

As the Obama administration continues to lay the groundwork for military action without U.N. approval, the U.S. may be plunging in alone, recalling memories of the Iraq war 10 years ago. The State Department tersely rejected the comparison on Wednesday.

"I would in no way compare this at all, period, to Iraq," Harf said.

"We are making decisions that are in our national security interest. We are consulting with our allies and partners, including the U.N. But we do not believe that the Syrian regime should be able to hide behind the U.N."